'A Match Made in Hell': Devil plays matchmaker

Alison Kawa and Max Weinbach in his new musical "A Match Made in Hell" at Bindlestiff Studio.

Alison Kawa and Max Weinbach in his new musical "A Match Made in Hell" at Bindlestiff Studio.

Photo: Brady Boyle

Photo: Brady Boyle

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Alison Kawa and Max Weinbach in his new musical "A Match Made in Hell" at Bindlestiff Studio.

Alison Kawa and Max Weinbach in his new musical "A Match Made in Hell" at Bindlestiff Studio.

Photo: Brady Boyle

'A Match Made in Hell': Devil plays matchmaker

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One of the first things to know about Max Weinbach is that he comes from a wildly talented family. Both he and his twin brother, Nicholas, are composers, writers and actors - all-around theater renaissance men. Older brother Brent is making a name for himself in the stand-up-comedy world, and older sister Laura is a musician touring with the band Foxtails Brigade.

Last spring, Max Weinbach helped out on the world premiere of his twin's musical "Made in China" (he served as conductor and actor). Now it's Max's turn, with a little help from his twin. This weekend sees the world premiere of "A Match Made in Hell," a romantic musical comedy with book, lyrics and score by the 25-year-old Max Weinbach. Oh, and he also plays the leading man. Brother Nicholas is directing and co-starring.

After waiting tables on the day shift at a Union Square restaurant and before heading into rehearsal, Weinbach talked about his talented family, his love of musical theater and his deal with the devil.

Q:Your show is about the devil trying to change his reputation by doing some matchmaking for two lovelorn souls. Where did this story come from?

A: I had been reading "Faust," and though I didn't intentionally write about that, it must have been in my subconscious. I knew I wanted to write something, so I just started writing. A professor I had in college said you can't wait for inspiration. You just put pen to paper and work until something comes. The idea for the show also came out of conversations I had with my father about how hard it can be talking to girls. Somehow that turned into the idea of the devil matchmaking.

Q:You play the leading man and your brother plays the devil?

A: Yes. And it gets complicated because the devil falls in love with the woman who's meant for me. And the devil's minion, his counsel, is in love with the devil. The devil in this is more like a Greek god. His emotions get the best of him. That's where his evil comes from.

Q:Given that you and all your siblings are in show business, is there Weinbach competitiveness?

A: We can be critical of each other, but that's also how we support each other. We're critical to the degree that we want each other to be better. We're not harsh. We're constructive and supportive, and we collaborate when we can.